Laboratory Designer

Oxford (with London travel requirements)

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Lab Designer to join our design and build team. The role involves working on turnkey projects from concept to completion, designing, planning and delivering high‑specification laboratories and life‑science workspaces. You will be responsible for contributing to all phases of the lab design & build process: from initial space planning and concept design, through specification, detailed layout, co‑ordination with engineering, project management and final fit‑out.

Our client is a full‑service workspace design and build firm, operating across London and Cambridge. They deliver a broad range of commercial projects including:

• Workplace and hybrid office interiors
• Building refurbishments and landlord CAT A+ works
• Custom laboratory and life‑science facilities design and build.
• We handle everything from architectural design and engineering, specification and layout, to construction, offering clients a fully integrated, coordinated solution so that their workspace meets requirements precisely.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with clients, project managers and senior team to define requirements, scope and design briefs for laboratory projects.
• Develop lab layout plans, space‑planning and zoning.
• Produce concept designs and detailed designs (CAD / BIM / 3D visuals as required), including specification of finishes, materials, lab furniture, services (e.g., ventilation, utilities, safety systems).
• Coordinate with engineering, construction and project management teams to ensure design intent is carried through to build, ensuring compliance with relevant lab, health & safety and building regulations.
• Liaise with suppliers and subcontractors for lab‑specific furniture, equipment and custom installations.
• Provide design and technical support through the build and fit‑out phases; attend site visits, review contractor work, ensure quality and adherence to design specs.
• Contribute to project scheduling, cost estimation and budget control related to lab works.
• Maintain documentation, drawings, as‑built plans, and handover packages for clients.
• Stay updated with best practices in lab design, regulations, safety and innovations in lab fit‑out and life‑science workspace planning.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Proven experience in designing laboratories or life‑science / R&D facilities (or high‑spec commercial interiors with technical requirements).
• Strong understanding of lab workflows, safety standards, ventilation, utilities/ infrastructure, ergonomic and functional design.
• Competence in CAD/BIM software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit or equivalent); ability to create concept and detailed drawings & 3D visualisations.
• Good knowledge of building regulations, lab‑specific requirements.
• Excellent space‑planning, layout and specification skills.
• Ability to liaise with clients, stakeholders, contractors, engineers and suppliers.
• Project‑management mindset: good organisational, documentation and communication skills; able to work across multiple projects / phases.
• Attention to detail, problem‑solving orientation, flexibility, and capacity to take responsibility for delivery quality.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Design
• Industries: Construction

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